Historic Postcards

The postcards are displayed front and back with an accurate transcription of the text and attribution of the source if found. Because of their age, the text is not always accurate. Thus, this collection illustrates what was important to tourism at one time and how the area was portrayed.

San Diego de Jemez Missionimpressive stone ruins near Jemez Springs, New Mexico. This church was established by the Franciscans in 1617 and abandoned in the 12-year Indian rebellion, 1680-92. The Parish priest was killed by a arrow, in the church, on the second day of the rebellion against the Spanish. Kodachrome by Jack Taylor/Published by Old Trail News Agency

Ruins of the San Diego De Jemez Mission, Jemez Hot Springs, New MexicoThese Ruins evidence the fact that this Mission was one of the largest of all Missions and is at least Fifty years older than any in California. The ruins are located in the Jemez Canyon directly opposite the Hotel La Esperanza.

Jemez State Monument, New Mexico This Monument contains the Ruins of the ancient Indian Pueblo of Guisewa and of the Franciscan Mission which was founded in 1617 and 1621. The Pueblo first visited by Coronado in 1541 was abandoned between 1680 and 1694. Color by Don Kolkmeyer/Distributed by Southwest Post Card Co.

The Concert Shell of the Hummingbird Music Camp, 4 miles of Jemez Springs, New Mexico Color by Don Kolkmeyer/Distributed by Southwest Card Co.

Battleship Rock, Jemez Canyon Resembling a mighty battleship this huge butte of solid granite towers in Jemez Canyon to give a magnificent view of this rugged country. Also, in this land of fascinating variety are found many other strange geological formations. A pleasant drive over good roads from Albuquerque or Santa Fe will bring you into the heart of this mountain wonderland. Many excellent resort hotels and guest ranches are to be found in this scenic region. Photo by Denton/Distributed by Alfred McGarr Adv. Service

Jemez Springs Soda Dam Located 45 miles north of Albuquerque on State Highway No. 4 near Jemez Springs, New Mexico. This is a natural dam extending like a huge mis-shapen mushroom from the canyon floor. Numerous conical rocks and sulphur springs are above the dam. Kodachrome by Jack Taylor/Made Direct from Kodachrome and Ansco Color by Dexter Press, Inc.

Hummingbird Music Camp, Jemez Springs, New MexicoThe music and recreational camp is nestled along the banks of the beautiful Jemez River in the heart of the Jemez Valley among the tall pines and towering peaks. Color by Don Kolkmeyer/Distributed by Southwest Post Card Co.

Rock Formations and Scenery in the Jemez Mountains, New MexicoJemez(pronounced Hemez) Mountains are located north of Albuquerque and west of Santa, Fe, New Mexico, within easy driving distance from either city. These mountains offer various sports to the sportsman and beautiful scenery to the traveler. Kodachrome by Barnes & Caplin/Distributed by Southwest Post Card Co.

Battleship Rock, Jemez Mountains, New MexicoTo the west of Santa Fe, the beautiful Jemez Mountains with their many recreational facilities are enjoyed by visitors and natives, while studying this area with its history of long ago. Courtesy by N.M. State Park Dept./Distributed by Southwest Post Card Co.

Spectacular Soda Dams, Jemez SpringsThousands of years in the making -this dam is now about 350 feet long, 50 feet high, and 50 feet wide at the bottom. This strange geological formation is caused by tiny calcium deposits of the soda springs which are found in this area. This natural wonder is still in the process of building, and now extends across the entire Jemez Canyon. Kodachrome by Natural Color Post Card/Distributed by Alfred McGarr Adv. Service

The largest volcanic caldera in the world, the Valle Grande, dominates this view of the Jemez Mountains west of Lost Alamos. In the foreground is the Los Alamos ski area with its wide variety of runs – all built and maintained by unpaid volunteers, members of the Lost Alamos Ski Club. Photo Courtesy of the Los Alamos National Laboratory

Jemez Falls in the Jemez Mountains, between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico Located in the North-central part of the state, this Mountains Range holds a wider variety of interests than any other in the state. Peaks reach elevations of ten and eleven thousand feet. Forests of pine, spruce and aspen cover the higher elevations. To the southwest the Jemez Mountains join the desert valleys in a blaze of colorful red rock formations. Color by Caplin/Distributed by Southwest Post Card Co.

The Jemez Canyon, New Mexico This canyon is located about fifty miles northwest of Albuquerque, and is one of rare scenic beauty; it contains many wonders in mineral springs that effect miraculous cures historic ruins and the famous Soda Dam. C.T. American Art

Soda Dam a geologic wonder of New Mexico Jemez Hot Springs, New Mexico. This geologic wonder is still in process of forming, and tiny soda springs have already built a dam over a hundred feet in height and clear across the canyon. A side trip from Albuquerque or Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the West.

Information and pictures for this project have been obtained from many sources. If you believe you are the owner of content appearing on this site and do not want it used publicly, please contact the Librarian and indicate the item and your preferences. Thank you!